Name: Tower House Guest House
Address: 15 Ship Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3DA
Price range: US$137+
Rating: 7.8

Tower House Guest House Oxford Exterior photo

Tower House Guest House Oxford Room photo

Key details

About the Hotel

15 Ship Street, Oxford, OX1 3DA

Steps from Carfax Tower

Very good

7.3

7.4

/10

3.9

Loved by Tower House Guest House guests

Central location

Comfortable bed

Quiet street

Clear instructions

Generous treats

Tower House Guest House - A 17th-century guest house in Oxford's historic centre with original city wall rooms and communal living spaces

Tower House Guest House occupies a 17th-century building on a quiet, traditional street, featuring charming old-world details like wooden beams and original stone floors. The property includes deluxe rooms built into Oxford's original city walls, with king-size beds and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. A communal living room offers guests leather armchairs for relaxation, while nearby attractions like Exeter College, the Museum of the History of Science, and the Covered Market are within a five-minute walk. Families can book an entire floor or request an extra bed, and check-in at Tower House runs from 3 pm to 9 pm daily.

Pros

The property retains historic charm, with original city wall rooms and vintage-style décor.

Convenient central location, within walking distance of major landmarks like the Ashmolean Museum and Sheldonian Theatre.

Free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee facilities are available throughout the property.

Family-friendly options include extra beds and dedicated floor bookings.

Cons

No on-site breakfast service, though multiple dining options are nearby.

Some rooms have shared bathrooms, which may not suit all guests.

Select your room type

Tower House Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room Bath
2 persons
240 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Deluxe Double Room Shower
2 persons
185 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Room Rates & Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Tower House Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Cycling
Mini golf
Fishing

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Tower House Guest House Location

15 Ship Street, Oxford, OX1 3DA

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

2500 ft

Castle

Oxford Castle

2100 ft

Museum

Pitt Rivers Museum

2700 ft

Botanical Garden

Oxford Botanic Garden

3100 ft

Landmark

Magdalen College Deer Park

3200 ft

Landmark

Sheldonian Theatre

2100 ft

University

Merton College

2200 ft

University

The Queen's College

2000 ft

University

St Peter-in-the-East

2300 ft

University

University colleges

2200 ft

University

University of Oxford

2600 ft

Nearby

Museum

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

1200 ft

Market

The Covered Market Oxford

800 ft

Church

Christ Church

1700 ft

University

Bridge of Sighs

1300 ft

Tower

Carfax Tower

1000 ft

High St

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

1700 ft

Museum

Museum of the History of Science

1300 ft

Bodleian Library Broad Street

Bodleian Library

1600 ft

Museum

Museum of Oxford

1100 ft

Library

Radcliffe Camera

1700 ft

Church

Exeter College

300 ft

University

Balliol College

900 ft

University

Trinity College

700 ft

Holywell Street

New College

1800 ft

University

Brasenose College

1500 ft

University

St Peter's College

1900 ft

Town Hall St. Aldates

Oxford Town Hall

1100 ft

13 Magdalen Street

Martyrs' Memorial

1600 ft

Museum

The Story Museum

1900 ft

Restaurants

Pieminister

800 ft

56 The Market

Pret a Manger

300 ft

Westgate Centre Unit U30

Browns Cafe

700 ft

Avenue 4

Burger King Restaurant

400 ft

26 Cornmarket Street

The White Rabbit

1200 ft

21 Friars Entry

Mortons

500 ft

22 Broad Street

Boswells Broad Street Cafe

700 ft

H Boswell & Co Ltd 1-4 Broad Street 1-4 Broad Street

Explore Oxford

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

9 minutes' walk

Natural history exhibits and stunning architecture. Free admission and guided tours are available.

Oxford Castle

8 minutes' walk

Historic castle with guided tours and gorgeous views. A glimpse into Oxford's medieval past.

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

5 minutes' walk

The oldest public museum in the UK, showcasing art and history. Free entry and regular exhibitions.

Christ Church

6 minutes' walk

Iconic college and cathedral, famous for its stunning architecture. Guided tours offer insight into its history.

Cycling along the River Cherwell

10 minutes' ride

Biking along tranquil river paths. Rentals are available nearby for a day of scenic exploration.

Yoga Classes at The Core

15 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions in a serene studio. Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Punting on the River Thames

15 minutes' ride

Experience Oxford's charm from the water. Professional punting tours available for a unique view.

Pieminister

3 minutes' walk

Casual eatery famed for its gourmet pies. Vegetarian options available, and a cozy atmosphere.

Browns Cafe

3 minutes' walk

Charming cafe with a relaxed vibe. Known for brunch and classic British dishes. Reservations advised.

The White Rabbit

5 minutes' walk

Stylish pub with a vibrant atmosphere. Specializes in wood-fired pizzas and craft beers.

Sheldonian Theatre

8 minutes' walk

Historic venue for performances and events. Check the schedule for live music and theater shows.

The O2 Academy

20 minutes' ride

Popular music venue hosting concerts and club nights. A vibrant place for nightlife seekers.

The Bicester Village Retail Park

30 minutes' drive

Shopping destination with a range of designer outlets. Great for families and fashion enthusiasts.

Getting around

City Centre
Oxford 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 111 min · 45.9 mi
London Heathrow (LHR) 118 min · 48.8 mi
Train
Oxford Train Station 11 min · 3000 ft
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:00

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Tower House Guest House from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Tower House Guest House enjoys a superb central location, making it easy to explore Oxford's attractions, including The Ashmolean and Christchurch Meadow, all within a short walk. Guests appreciate the quaint, characterful rooms, some likening them to little cottages, and the convenience of amenities like Netflix on the TV and tea and hot chocolate trays. The comfortable beds and clean towels are commonly mentioned positives, although some guests have noted that the shared bathroom setup wasn't quite what they expected. You can also find ironing facilities available in a shared laundry/kitchen room.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

7.8 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.3/10

Facilities

7.0/10

Value for money

7.4/10

Pros

Central location

Quaint building

Comfy beds

Tea and coffee

Cons

Steep stairs

Poor maintenance

Elliot from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 02, 2026

7/10

ideal location almond biscuits maintenance issues different floor

The location was ideal. It made seeing all the attractions very easy.. The room itself was spacious. Tea and coffee were available in the room, and there were also almond biscuits.

The building showed its age. There were a few maintenance issues that could use some attention. The shared bathroom was on a different floor from my room, a bit inconvenient.

0 Helpful

trevor from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 03, 2025

9.0/10

central location, historic charm

central location wooden beams quick replenishment

The location could not have been more perfect. it was right in the city centre. i found the ancient wooden beams in my room lovely. tea and coffee were well stocked. Staff replenished them quickly at my request.

the staircase was steep.

Location

10/10

the guest house is in the heart of the city center. it provides easy access to many attractions. multiple dining options are available within a short walk.

Dining

8/10

breakfast is not offered at the hotel itself. however, many cafes are nearby, providing various options. guests can easily find places for meals within walking distance.

Rooms

9/10

my room featured ancient wooden beams adding character. the room also included a comfortable bed. it created a cosy atmosphere.

Service

9/10

the reception staff were friendly. they were accommodating to my requests. staff promptly replenished the tea and coffee supplies when requested.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offers convenient city centre access. it provided easy access to public transportation. nearby car parks are available a short walk away.

0 Helpful

john from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 01, 2025

6/10

mixed feelings about the stay

torn shade stained carpet

the location suited my needs well.

The room was not well kept. There were stains on the carpet. the bedside lamp had a torn shade. i also noticed the sash windows did not stay open, an issue

0 Helpful

Olivia from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 20, 2025

9.0/10

Excellent Central Location

central location easy check tea facilities

i appreciated the central location that provided convenient access to many attractions. the easy check in and check out process suited my schedule well. the availability of tea and coffee making facilities was a great touch for early mornings. i found the room provided what i needed for a comfortable stay.

the furnishings looked somewhat worn and tired.

Facilities

9/10

the guest house provides a central location, with access to key attractions. i observed that the building maintained its historical charm. it is near bus and train stations, simplifying transportation.

Service

9/10

the staff ensured a smooth check in and check out process. they were responsive to my request for replenishing tea and coffee supplies. i felt supported and looked after .

Rooms

8/10

my room offered a decent size and ample light. i noticed it was clean and well maintained. the room was comfortable, with necessary amenities included. the building features ancient wooden beams.

Dining

10/10

there was a good supply of tea and coffee in the room. i appreciated the staff's willingness to replenish it upon request. this provided a convenient way to start the day.

0 Helpful

Benjamin from Germany

Single

Deluxe Double Room Bath

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: September 13, 2025

7/10

central location comfy bed loose socket uninspired breakfast

the location felt magical, right in the heart of things. our beautiful double room bath offered a warm embrace, and the comfy bed whispered sweet dreams.

a loose electric wall socket by the window gave me a fright, it dangled precariously. the breakfast selection lacked charm, it felt quite uninspired and sparse.

0 Helpful

Scarlett from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 30, 2025

9.0/10

Fantastic Location with Historic Charm!

central location almond biscuits

The location is amazing. I explored so many attractions easily! My room had coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lovely almond biscuits. Those were such a treat (I really enjoyed the biscuits!).

The check-in instructions were a little unclear. I would like more detailed directions next time.

Rooms

9/10

My room was spacious and quiet, especially given the central spot. The comfortable rooms have a lot of character this historic building.

Facilities

8/10

The building has charm. It's located on a quiet street. Its historic nature adds to the appeal. It is also well-kept.

Service

10/10

The staff were friendly, helpful, and very cute! The easy check-in process made everything smooth. I appreciated the warm reception and assistance I received.

Dining

9/10

The central location gives you many choices of shops, restaurants, and pubs. It is very easy to find great places for a tasty meal. I enjoyed the variety.

0 Helpful

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